Dharamshala: India is the only country with the potential to combine modern education with its thousand-year-old knowledge on workings of mind and emotions in the interest of developing a sound education for global well-being, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said today at the P.G. Government College.

The Tibetan spiritual leader was speaking at the Government College’s annual prize distribution ceremony here in Dharamshala.

“Wherever I go, I always describe myself as a messenger of India because my entire way of thinking has been shaped by the Buddhist training I have received. This is rooted in the works of great masters of the historic Nalanda University,” he said.

He iterated his conviction that a holistic education of heart and mind based on India’s secular model can help us secure a more peaceful humanity.

“I am fully committed to work towards revival of ancient Indian knowledge, particularly of the workings of the mind, which is immensely useful in transforming our destructive emotions and promoting basic inner values,” he told an entranced audience of over hundreds Indian students.

“Although these ancient ideas are found in religious texts, but they teach us how to tackle our emotions based on logic; adopting these in our education system is an intelligent way to improve our health. It is scientific fact that destructive emotions are eating our immune system,” he said.

He urged India to take leadership in the promotion of secular ethics through education and reinvigorate the country’s guiding principle of Ahimsa and tolerance.

Reflecting upon his lifelong study on the science of mind, particularly the Buddhist tradition, His Holiness said he drew profound inspiration and strength from the learning.

India’s ancient thoughts reached whole of Asia, including China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and many others, he said. “The time has now come for India to revive its rich ancient heritage that has the potential to serve the entire 7 billion human being.”

Principal of PG Government College, Shri Rampal Chopra said, “Personally speaking your holiness, this day will be most meaningful chapter in my life and the entire college shall remain indebted to your holiness for blessing on this special day. Without your holiness’ limitless kindness, the world would be dark like a body without head. I express thanks for your great kindness and compassion for accepting our invitation in very short time. Your example of morality and your compassion is source of all beings developing compassionate heart.”